Vernon Alan Anderson

Vernon Alan Anderson, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 5, 2024. Born on June 3, 1943, in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, IL, Vern was the son of the late Vernon Axel Anderson and Anna Anderson. He attended Fenger High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Governors State University. On February 16, 1967, Vern married Jamie Anderson, with whom he shared a lifelong journey.

Vern was hard-working, competitive, generous, and loving. His life story exemplifies the journey of starting at the bottom and working his way up. He began his career in 1967 as a "glorified janitor" at International Harvester, where his father had worked and retired. Taking a risk, Vern left Harvester to start as a margin clerk at Dean Witter. His dedication and skill led him to join the Chicago Board of Options Exchange as a compliance examiner. In 1980, AG Edwards recruited him as Executive Vice President and Compliance Registered Options Principal (CROP), a position he held until his retirement in 2001.

Vern’s hard work mirrored his father's dual careers—an accountant by day and a professional saxophone player by night. Vern himself was a professional drummer from 1959 to 1980, working full-time, attending college in the evenings, and playing in a band on weekends to provide for his family.

Vern's competitive spirit shone in his involvement with semi-professional racing in Chicago and later in competitive drag racing in St. Louis, where he dominated his division for many years. His custom 1965 Ford Falcon convertible became a star at car shows. Combined, he earned over 100 trophies and plaques.

Generosity defined Vern. He supported over 19 charities and often flew friends and family to his Palm Desert, CA home, always picking up the dinner check and helping those in need.

Vern’s love for his family was profound. He cherished his wife Jamie, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, and had a special fondness for corgis and the Chicago Cubs. He loved his Lionel trains and black and white movies. A patriot at heart and love for his country, on Veteran’s Day he called all the Veteran’s he knew to thank them for their service.

Vern is survived by his daughter Pamala Jane Anderson-Radke (Terry Radke), son Bret Alan Anderson (Carrie Fay Anderson), grandchildren Grant Michael James Nicolai (Jessica Rae Nicolai), Mitchell David Anderson, Lauren Elizabeth Anderson, David Alan Anderson, and Natalie Barrett Anderson, great-granddaughter Thea Rae Nicolai, sister-in-law Sandy Weaver, and cousin Haven Jorgensen. He is preceded in death by his wife Jamie, his parents, and his beloved corgis, Penny and Lucy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Louis Zoo Tribute Fund Saint Louis Zoo Online Tribute Order Form (applyweb.com)

Visitation will be held at Newcomer's West County Chapel, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017, on Tuesday, June 11th from 4 PM to 8 PM. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 12th at 11 AM, followed by mausoleum services at noon at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 N. Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. A repast will follow at Timothy’s Restaurant, 12710 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

Vernon's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.


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